The Transport for London Board today agreed to abolish the mid year inspections for black cabs. Figures released by Jenny Jones show that 2,389 black cabs failed pollution tests during the first round of mid year inspections. A further 513 were failed for brakes and 591 for suspension.
Black cabs emit particulates, such as PM10s, and these are associated with respiratory problems. London has failed to meet the European Union’s legally binding limit values for PM10 in the last three years. If the Government’s proposed action plan for reducing pollution and meeting the PM10 targets by 2010 is rejected by the EU as inadequate, the UK may face prosecution in the European Court and possibly fines.
Jenny Jones said:
"The mayor is meant to protect Londoners and cut air pollution, not add to it. Doesn’t he realise that an estimated 1,000 Londoners die prematurely from air pollution every year? Black cabs are one of the most polluting types of vehicle in London, which makes it vital that standards are kept high. The mayor will be betraying the health of Londoners if he lets black cabs off the hook when there is such clear evidence that many are driving around causing even more pollution than they need to. The mid year inspections are a quick and effective way of checking that black cabs are safe, comfortable and clean. If there is a problem with emissions or the brakes, then it is quickly fixed and the cabs are back on the road after a successful retest. Passengers and fellow road users expect black cabs to be a quality form of transport, with a high level of maintenance. They expect the mayor to promote quality and safety by not letting standards drop."